U.S. patent number 8,802,258 [Application Number 12/346,105] was granted by the patent office on 2014-08-12 for low profile manifold for single point watering system for lead-acid batteries.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd., Trojan Battery Company. The grantee listed for this patent is Daniel N. Campau, Patrick Mavrakis. Invention is credited to Daniel N. Campau, Patrick Mavrakis.
United States Patent |
8,802,258 |
Campau , et al. |
August 12, 2014 |
Low profile manifold for single point watering system for lead-acid
batteries
Abstract
A single point watering assembly for a monobloc battery having a
plurality of cell access ports each have a top edge. The assembly
includes a manifold and a plurality of valve cartridges. The
manifold overlies the access ports and includes extensions each
extending into one of the access ports. Each valve cartridge is
supported by one of the manifold extensions and is located below
the top edge of the respective access port. Consequently, the
assembly presents a low profile extending above the battery.
Inventors: |
Campau; Daniel N. (Ada, MI),
Mavrakis; Patrick (Alta Loma, CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Campau; Daniel N.
Mavrakis; Patrick |
Ada
Alta Loma |
MI
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd. (Byron
Center, MI)
Trojan Battery Company (Santa Fe Springs, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
41667539 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/346,105 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2008 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20100167109 A1 |
Jul 1, 2010 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
429/82;
429/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01M
50/35 (20210101); H01M 50/60 (20210101); H01M
10/12 (20130101); Y02E 60/10 (20130101); H01M
10/06 (20130101); Y10T 137/4757 (20150401); H01M
50/308 (20210101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01M
2/12 (20060101); H01M 2/36 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0529760 |
|
Mar 1993 |
|
EP |
|
529760 |
|
Mar 1993 |
|
EP |
|
0578606 |
|
Jan 1994 |
|
EP |
|
Other References
Notification of the Transmittal of the International Search Report
and the Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority,
or the Declaration, PCT US2009/ 065833, Mar. 3, 2010. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Gilliam; Barbara
Assistant Examiner: Arciero; Adam A
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Warner Norcross & Judd LLP
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A single point watering assembly for a battery having a
plurality of cell access ports each having a top edge, the system
comprising: a manifold overlying the plurality of cell access
ports, the manifold including a plurality of bosses integral with
and each adapted to extend downwardly from the remainder of the
manifold through one of the access ports beyond the associated top
edge; and a plurality of valve cartridges each supported by one of
the manifold bosses, each valve cartridge adapted to be located
entirely below the associated top edge when the manifold is mounted
on the battery.
2. A single point watering assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein
at least one of the bosses snap fits into its associated access
port.
3. A single point watering assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein:
the at least one boss includes a tab; and the associated access
port includes an internal thread, the tab snap fitting with the
internal thread.
4. A single point watering assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein
the manifold includes a water distribution path.
5. A single point watering assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein
the manifold includes a gas vent path.
6. A single point watering assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein
all of the top edges are co-planar.
7. A single point watering assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein
the manifold includes a seal for sealing the manifold against the
top edge.
8. A single point watering system for a battery including a top
defining a plurality of cell access ports, the system comprising: a
manifold including a plurality of bosses integral with and adapted
to extend downwardly from the remainder of the manifold beyond the
top of the battery when the manifold is mounted on the battery; and
a plurality of level control means for controlling a level of an
electrolytic fluid within the battery, each of the level control
means supported by one of the bosses and adapted to be located
entirely below the top of the battery when the system is mounted on
the battery.
9. A single point watering system as defined in claim 8 wherein the
manifold includes snap fit means for snap fitting the manifold onto
the battery.
10. A single point watering system as defined in claim 8 wherein
the manifold includes distribution means for distributing water to
the level control means.
11. A single point watering system as defined in claim 8 wherein
the manifold includes sealing means for sealing the manifold
against the top of the battery.
12. A battery assembly comprising: a monobloc battery including a
plurality of cells each including an access port having a top edge;
and a single point watering assembly including a manifold and a
plurality of valve cartridges, the manifold overlying the plurality
of access ports, the manifold including a plurality of bosses
integral with and extending downwardly from the remainder of the
manifold into one of the access ports beyond the associated top
edge, each valve cartridge supported by one of the bosses, each
valve cartridge located entirely below the top edge of the
respective cell access port.
13. A battery assembly as defined in claim 12 wherein at least one
of the bosses snap fits into its associated access port.
14. A battery assembly as defined in claim 13 wherein: the at least
one boss includes a tab; and the associated access port includes an
internal thread, the tab snap fitting with the internal thread.
15. A battery assembly as defined in claim 12 wherein the manifold
includes a water distribution path.
16. A battery assembly as defined in claim 12 wherein the manifold
includes a gas vent path.
17. A battery assembly as defined in claim 12 wherein all of the
top edges are co-planar.
18. A battery assembly as defined in claim 12 wherein the manifold
includes a seal for sealing the manifold against the top edge.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to single point watering (SPW)
systems for lead-acid batteries, and more particularly to
valve-manifold assemblies for use in such systems.
Valve-manifold assemblies have become an important component in SPW
systems used on monobloc batteries. Examples of such assemblies are
illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 7,029,786, issued Apr. 18, 2006 to
Campau; U.S. Pat. No. 6,782,913, issued Aug. 31, 2004 to Campau;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,644,338 to Campau; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,229,
issued May 8, 2001 to Campau. These assemblies address the need to
simplify tubing connections in watering systems, reduce the number
of parts, and reduce installation time. They are widely used in
marine, golf cart, recreational vehicle (RV), and mobile equipment
applications.
However, in many applications, battery compartments are so limited
in space that these manifolds cannot be used on the batteries
because the manifolds would interfere with structure above the
batteries, such as golf cart seats. Consequently, known manifolds
cannot be used in applications where the height or space above the
battery is limited. And therefore manifolds cannot be used in a
wide variety of applications in which their use would be
desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aforementioned problem is overcome in the present invention
providing a low profile SPW valve-manifold assembly that can be
installed on and used with monobloc batteries in limited space or
clearance environments. More specifically, the SPW assembly
includes a manifold and a plurality of valve cartridges supported
by the manifold. The manifold includes a plurality of bosses each
adapted to extend through one of the access ports on a monobloc
battery. The valve cartridges are supported within the bosses and
are located below the top of the battery when the SPW assembly is
mounted on the battery. Consequently, the valve cartridges are
located entirely within the battery and only the manifold extends
above the battery. Consequently, the present invention presents a
low profile or low height arrangement enabling the SPW assembly to
be used in a wide variety of applications with limited space or
clearance.
The benefits of the present invention are numerous. First, the
assembly does not interfere with overhead structure above the
battery. Second, the assembly enables battery manufacturers to
install the systems in the factory, during battery production,
before the batteries are shipped to customers. Third, the assembly
enables the batteries to continue to be bulk packed in the normal
manner and in the same density. Fourth, the assembly is less
subject to potential damage during shipping and handling of the
batteries, allowing the SPW system to be offered as original
equipment to customers rather than as a field-installed
accessory.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the manifold press-fits
or snap-fits into the battery vent port openings. This feature
enables standard production rates to be maintained without the
additional requirement for specialized installation tools or
procedures. Press-fit installations also assist in achieving a low
profile.
These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention
will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the
description of the current embodiment and the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of the single point
watering (SPW) assembly of the present invention installed on a
monobloc battery;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the SPW assembly;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the SPW assembly;
FIG. 4 is a lower perspective view of the upper manifold
member;
FIG. 5A is an enlarged side elevation view of the portion of the
assembly within Line 5A in FIG. 2;
FIG. 5B is an enlarged perspective view of the area within Line 5B
in FIG. 5A;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the portion of the assembly
illustrated in FIG. 5A; and
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the assembly taken long Line 7-7 in
FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENT
A single point watering (SPW) assembly is illustrated in the
drawings and generally designated 10. The assembly 10 includes a
manifold 12 and a plurality of valve cartridges 14 supported by the
manifold. The assembly 10 can be mounted on a battery 20. When so
mounted, each of the valve cartridges 14 is located below the top
of the battery 20; and only the manifold 12 extends above the
battery. The assembly 10 therefore presents a low profile, which is
essentially the same as the profile or height of a conventional
battery vent cap. Consequently, the assembly 10 may be used in a
wide variety of applications not previously possible.
I. Battery
The battery 20 of the current embodiment is a lead-acid monobloc
battery. Alternatively, the present invention may be readily
adapted for use with other lead-acid batteries, or other batteries
using electrolyte. The battery includes a pair of terminals 21a and
21b.
The battery 20 includes a plurality of cells (not shown) each
having an access port or vent port 22 (see FIGS. 1 and 6) extending
through the top of the battery. As seen in FIG. 6, each access port
22 includes a top edge 24 defining the uppermost point on the
battery 20. The access port 22 includes an internal thread 26 for
receiving a conventional vent cap. The access ports 22 provide two
functions. First, the ports permit water to be added to the battery
as necessary. Second, the ports permit gasses generated within the
battery to be vented from the battery. The access ports 22
typically share a common centerline, and are typically arranged in
groups of three.
Typically, the access ports 22 are covered by a closure assembly
(not shown) providing a single integral structure of three vent
caps. The closure assembly includes a passageway for cell gasses to
vent to the atmosphere. The closure assemblies are press-fitted or
snap-fitted within the cell openings.
As illustrated, the top edges 24 of the access ports 22 are
coplanar, and the access ports are equally spaced from one another.
Other configurations of the access ports are possible, and the
present invention can be readily adapted to accommodate such
variations.
II. SPW Valve-Manifold Assembly
In the current embodiment, the normal closure assembly is replaced
by the valve-manifold assembly 10. The assembly 10 press-fits
within the battery 20 and specifically within the access ports 22
of each cell. The assembly 10 provides a path for water to flow
into the cell during the refill cycle, and for gasses to leave the
cells and vent to the atmosphere whenever the gas pressure exceeds
ambient (atmospheric) pressure. The assembly 10 also seals the cell
opening 22 so that electrolyte does not leak onto the battery top
in cases of tilting and/or sloshing.
The assembly 10 enables the valve displacer 48 to communicate with
the electrolyte, and the valve 15 to control the electrolyte level.
The manifold 12 of the assembly 10 includes three bosses or
extensions 40, which extend from the bottom of the manifold 12 to
press-fit into the cell vent port openings 22. An annular seal or
gasket 41 on each boss provides and maintains a leak-resistant seal
under normal shock, vibration, and handling loads. Each boss 40 has
an inside diameter appropriate for receiving and supporting a valve
cartridge 14 including a displacer 48 for regulating the level of
the electrolyte within the cell. The cartridges 14 also provide
space for water to flow into the cell and for gasses to flow from
the cell into the manifold 12.
A. Manifold
The manifold 12 includes an upper member or portion 30, a lower
member or portion 32, and a plurality of flame arresters 34 and 36.
The upper and lower members 30 and 32 are integrally joined to one
another for example using sonic welding, heat welding, or adhesive.
The upper member 30 defines a water inlet port 29 for receiving a
water fitting (not shown).
The upper and lower members 30 and 32 cooperatively define water
passageways 37 and air passageways 39 (see FIGS. 3-4). The water
passageways 37 enable water to be delivered to the valve cartridges
14, and the gas passageways 39 permit gas to escape from the cells
through the manifold 12. Conventional flame arresters 34 and 36 are
press-fitted within the upper and lower members 32 and 34
respectively to provide flame suppression.
Bosses or extensions 40 are integral with and extend downwardly
from the remainder of the manifold 12, and specifically the lower
member 34. Each boss 40 is generally circular in cross section
enabling the boss to be inserted into an access port 22. The
internal wall 42 of the boss 40 is shaped and dimensioned to
receive a valve cartridge 14 through the lower end of the boss as
will be described.
Each boss 40 includes a tab 44 on its exterior surface (see FIGS.
5A-6). The tab 44 is shaped and dimensioned to snap-fit with the
internal thread 26 within the access port 22. The tab 44 therefore
provides a retention means for retaining the manifold 12 within the
battery 20. As perhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B, the tab is
angled slightly from the horizontal to improve the interfit with
the thread 26 in the access port 22. The snap-fit between the tab
44 and the internal thread 26 enables the assembly 10 to be
press-fit or snap-fit into the battery 10.
The illustrated tabs 44 of the current embodiment are adapted for
use with batteries having quarter-turn bayonet-style lugs. The tabs
44 are free on three sides and supported by ribs 45 on the lower
edge. The tab thickness can be selected for the desired
flexibility. The shape and slope of the retaining surface 47 (see
FIG. 5B) can be selected as desired for retention, sealing, and
removability. Other suitable press-fit attachment to other types of
vent ports will be recognized by those skilled in the art. For
example, DIN standard vent ports typically include an O-ring rather
than a gasket; and the diameter of the cylindrical enclosure
typically would be modified to match the DIN requirements. The
retaining tabs would be configured to the DIN standard.
Each boss 40 includes an annual seal or gasket 41 at its base,
which seals the assembly against the top edge 24 of the respective
access port 22. The gasket 41 provides a leak-resistant seal
between the assembly 10 and the battery 20. Other suitable seals,
gaskets, or sealing arrangements will be recognized by those
skilled in the art.
The manifold 12 additionally includes an optical indicator 50
extending through the manifold members 30 and 32 to provide a
visual indication of the electrolyte level. Optical level
indicators are common but their inclusion in manifolds provides
additional utility. Prior art manifolds such as those illustrated
in the above-identified patents do not permit the use of optical
indicators.
B. Valve Cartridge
Each valve cartridge 14 (see FIG. 6 for example) includes an inlet
(not shown), two outlets 45 and 49, a valve stem 46, and an
actuator, displacer, or float 48. The details of the valve
cartridge 40, including the displacer 48, are more fully disclosed
in the above identified patents; and the disclosures of those
patents are incorporated herein by reference. Consequently, the
cartridges 14 need not be described in detail in this
application.
III. Assembly, Installation, and Operation
Assembly of the assembly 10 begins by press-fitting the flame
arresters 34 and 36 into the upper and lower manifold members 30
and 32 in conventional fashion. The upper and lower members 30 and
32 are then ultrasonically welded or otherwise joined to form a
leak-tight manifold 12.
A cartridge 14 is press-fitted into each one of the bosses 40 so
that the cartridge is supported by the manifold 12. At this point,
the assembly 10 is fully assembled for installation on a battery
20.
To install the assembly 10 on the battery 20, the bosses 40 are
aligned with the ports 22, and the assembly is pushed into the
battery until the retention means or tabs 44 snap within the
threads 22. When so engaged, the seal 41 engages the top edge 24 of
each access port 22 to seal the manifold 12 against the battery 20.
As perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 6, when the assembly 10 is
fully installed within the battery 20, each cartridge 14 is located
entirely below the top edge 24 of the access port 22. And
consequently, each cartridge 14 is within the interior of the
battery 20 and below the top of the battery casing.
To complete the installation of the SPW assemblies 10, a fitting
(not shown) is installed within the water inlet 29, and a water
supply tube (not shown) is attached to the fitting. Any remaining
access ports on the battery 20, and on any other batteries in an
array, are also fitted with a valve manifold assembly 10, and water
supply tubes (all not shown) are fitted onto the various ports as
needed. Examples of complete SPW systems, including tubing and
other water-delivering components are illustrated in the
above-noted patents.
In use, during the water filling cycle, when the electrolyte level
is low, the displacers 48 are low and water passes through valve
cartridges 14 and into the battery cell. At the same time, gasses
displaced from the cells pass out of the cell through the cartridge
14 and exit the manifold 12 through the flame arresters 34 and 36.
When the displacers 48 rise with the rising electrolyte level, the
valves close as the electrolyte level in each cell reaches a
predetermined or preselected level.
The described embodiment of the present invention provides an SPW
assembly having a low profile above the battery. Specifically, the
profile is no higher than conventional vent caps currently used to
cover battery access ports. Consequently, the present invention
enables SPW to be used in a wide variety of applications having
limited space or clearance above the battery.
The above description is that of a current embodiment of the
invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without
departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as
defined in the claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance
with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of
equivalents.
* * * * *